Outlook 2012: A restaurant trend recap

Restaurant operators are concerned about commodity costs and stalled consumer spending, but optimistically expect sales and profits in 2012 to beat last year’s levels, according to an exclusive survey from Nation’s Restaurant News.

More than 150 subscribers to NRN a.m. — the daily e-newsletter from Nation’s Restaurant News — helped shed light on what the industry is expecting for the year ahead. Operators answered questions on hiring, expansion plans, menu pricing and even whether this year’s Presidential election will change the political environment in Washington, and hence the economy or the consumer (hint: respondents don't think Washington politics will ever change).